In February 2014 we took the plunge and signed up for the ultimate living abroad experience, running a hostel with the help and support of our friends and family. Although it was a hostel prior to us taking over, it felt more like we started from scratch, as we painted, renovated, purchased furniture and re-branded the building into our very own Casa Emilia (named after our daughter).

Yes it was a lot of hard work but we had some fun along the way - the best part was being able to meet the variety of amazing people who came to our door. From single travellers, backpackers, couples and families - many who will remain in our hearts and memories for a long time to come.

And while we started way down the TripAdvisor list at number one hundred and something, we persevered and got all the way to number 13 on the top B&B list in Cusco. Not bad going for the new kid on the block.

And although we haven't been living there for the last two months of the lease, instead opting to rent it out to a wonderful family from Florida, we will miss it when we can no longer call it our own. We might not miss the sleepless nights or the hard work that it entailed to set it up in the first instance, but we will miss the people we met and the great experience the hostel offered us.

So with one month remaining on our lease, here is our hostel journey in pictures...